'Somalia don endure plenty wahala and hard times for dia history, but e neva see any gbege like the one wey happen on December 26,' President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud talk for special joint sitting of parliament dis week.

The president dey refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decision to make Israel the first United Nations member state wey recognise Somaliland as independent nation, almost three-and-a-half decades after the region unilaterally declare secession from Somalia in 1991.

The announcement, wey dem make together with Somaliland self-proclaimed president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (often called 'Irro'), quick cause widespread condemnation from Somalia, regional powers, continental bodies and much of the international community.

Since 1991 Somaliland don dey function as self-governing territory, but e never get international recognition and e dey act against Mogadishu constitutional authority and Somalia territorial integrity.

For im speech to lawmakers, President Mohamud describe Israel recognition of Somaliland as not only dangerous precedent for Somalia but also threat to the primacy of international law. He also make am clear sey Somalia no go allow any part of im territory to become base to launch attacks against other countries or regions.

Mogadishu firm stand get reason. Somaliland main port city, Berbera, dey for Gulf of Aden near Bab al-Mandeb Strait, na maritime corridor wey about one-third of global sea traffic dey pass through.

Berbera don dey attract international interest for maritime trade, security operations and possible naval access. President Mohamud say na this strategic value make Israel recognition of Somaliland dangerous. For Somalia, e increase risk sey dem fit drag am into conflicts wey start far outside im borders.

President Mohamud also warn sey foreign involvement fit lead to occupation, destabilisation and even displacement of local people.

He invoke Somalia long history of resistance to external domination and remind parliament sey no foreign power ever fit occupy Somali land without stiff fight. 'This no be time to divide along clan or regional lines,' he talk. 'We need to stand together to protect our existence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.'

President Mohamud still use the moment to restate Somalia moral and political position on Palestine, and he strongly reject any plan wey involve force comot Palestinians from their land or move dem to Somalia or any other country.

He say such action go undermine international law and be attempt to wreck the internationally agreed two-state solution, deny Palestinians their right to a sovereign state wey get East Jerusalem as capital.

History background

Somaliland be British protectorate wey gain sovereignty on June 26, 1960, before dem voluntarily unite with southern Somalia on July 1, 1960 to form the Republic of Somalia.

For the decades wey follow, political marginalisation, authoritarian rule and brutal military campaigns—especially for late 1980s—leave deep scars. After the central government collapse in 1991, the Somali National Movement declare Somaliland independence on May 18 that year. Even though 34 years don pass since then, no foreign government or international organisation recognise Somaliland declaration until Israel move this December.

Under different administrations, Somaliland pursue an increasingly varied foreign policy wey get one goal: international recognition. Hargeisa host small representative offices and consulates, maintain informal foreign engagements and operate representative missions abroad. Still, the international community until now dey hold back from giving recognition to Somaliland out of respect for Somalia sovereignty.

Somaliland strategic geography don increase global interest. E stretch for hundreds of kilometres of coastline on the Gulf of Aden, border Ethiopia and Djibouti, and dey for the gateway to the Red Sea. The region get important position for global trade, maritime security, anti-piracy work and operations to stop smuggling.

Analysts talk sey Israel recognition fit show long-term strategic calculation, including access to ports, intelligence gathering and geopolitical leverage for a region wey dey more volatile.

For January 2024, memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland wey give Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea spark serious diplomatic crisis.

Somalia see the deal as infringement on its sovereignty and the matter lead to months of tension. The stalemate later resolve through the Ankara Declaration signed on December 11, 2024, where Somalia and Ethiopia reaffirm respect for Mogadishu territorial integrity while they address Ethiopia maritime needs.

Somaliland place inside Somalia federal system still support Mogadishu position. Like Jubaland, Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West State and the newly formed North East State, Somaliland dey represented for both chambers of Somali parliament and inside the federal cabinet. Somalia argue sey these structures reflect constitutional reality and national unity instead of separation.

How international community condemn am

International reaction to Israel recognition of Somaliland quick and strong. On December 27, total 21 Arab, Islamic and African countries issue one joint statement wey clearly reject the move.

The Somali foreign minister call on Israel to urgently revoke the decision to protect regional and global stability. More than 100 countries publicly condemn Israel action. Türkiye lead diplomatic efforts to support Somalia, join by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Djibouti, Palestine and many others.

Regional and continental organisations echo this stance. The African Union reaffirm sey Somaliland remain integral part of Somalia, and say Israel recognition violate its principles.

IGAD reaffirm Somalia sovereignty. The Arab League describe Israel action as clear violation of international law while the Gulf Cooperation Council call am grave infringement on Somalia unity.

Even the US decline to follow Israel lead. President Donald Trump say Washington no get immediate plans to recognise Somaliland.

The diplomatic weight of Somalia response get extra force because of its growing global role. On New Year's Day, Somalia go assume the presidency of the Security Council, put Somalia for the centre of international peace and security discussions.

For now, the message clear. Israel recognition no change Somaliland legal status. External interference wey bypass federal authority no only threaten Somali unity but also regional stability across the Horn of Africa.